You Never Know What Tomorrow May Bring... Rob's Story

You never know what tomorrow may bring.

It was a beautiful fall day. Rob, an avid cyclist, loved this part of the day.

Out for his Sunday morning ride, Rob enjoyed taking different paths – some challenging, others less so. How could he know that from today forward he would be on a different path?

In his many years as a cyclist, Rob had his shares of spills and tumble, but nothing he didn’t walk away from. Today however was different... In a second, Rob spilled over his handlebars, breaking his back upon impact.

At 37 years old, Rob, a husband and father of two beautiful young girls, had to come to terms with the fact that, from this day forward his life would now follow a different path.

In the hospital, Rob was soon introduced to the Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) Ontario staff. Our goal is to assist individuals with a new spinal cord injury (SCI) on their journey to recovery and community re-integration. And so, Rob’s new journey had begun.

During his recovery, Rob was quickly introduced to the many peer support volunteers of CPA Ontario; Charlie, Kevin, Leandre, Rich, Rob and Peter – all guys with a SCI and all who could relate to Rob. They could share with him their knowledge and their everyday experiences to help him on a journey down a new path – a fast road to recovery.

For 65 years, CPA Ontario has been doing just that – providing vital programmes and services to ensure each and every Ontarian who sustains a SCI has someone to guide them on the path of recovery.

This year is CPA Ontario’s 65th Anniversary. 65 years of rebuilding lives one victory at a time. As we celebrate, we thank you, our committed supporters, who have enabled us to provide 119,557 hours of vitally important services to help 1,643 individuals with SCI and other disabilities – individuals like Rob.

To show you how much your support means, here are quotes from recipients of CPA Ontario programmes and services both from our partners and individuals:

“You help bring hope to people who are newly injured through ongoing support, education and advocacy for anything that life throws your way, throughout all the stages and milestones.” Julie

“It is HOPE that CPA Ontario has given my family and I. Everyone at CPA Ontario is committed and dedicated to making those with spinal cord injuries lives, better. Through their dedication they make you realize it!” Jim

“Our CPA Ontario Job Developer provided great support in helping us find the right people for the right jobs. Thanks for your partnership.” Naomi, Kids Help Phone, National Office

“CPA Ontario has been one of the most important organizations for me. CPA Ontario definitely improves the quality of life of the people I have treated for SCI. Thank you to CPA Ontario for being there for me and my patients!” Dr. C. H. Tator, Chair in Brain and Spinal Cord Research, University of Toronto, Division of Neurosurgery.

One day during Rob’s rehabilitation, Rich, a Peer Support volunteer, brought in his hand cycle for Rob to try. A hand cycle works just like a bicycle, but you move the bike by pedaling with your hands not your feet. Rob was thrilled and just one month after his injury, he was riding the halls. Through this experience, Rob could do what he loved to do again – cycle.

“CPA Ontario’s Peer Support Programme volunteers like Charlie and Rich, helped me to see that that life does go on, that I can have a great life – it was empowering - it was immeasurable,” recalls Rob.

Rob is a person who challenges himself every day. He sets goals and works to achieve them. As Rob said, “Learning what others were doing, and seeing it, inspired me. I realized right then, that it was so important to immediately get myself focused on a quick recovery.”

At CPA Ontario, our job is to do whatever it takes to help individuals with SCI, get on fastest path to recovery. This can involve helping with employment, providing clients and families with information services, assistance with attendant services, and to community advocacy.